CANU probing extortion allegation against airport officer

The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) has launched an investigation into an allegation levelled against one of its officers by a Greek national who said that he was forced to give the officer US$20.

The Greek national, Alexios Charmpis stated that he had to hand over the money to the CANU officer after enduring what he said was a frightening episode of being locked in a room alone with him and being interrogated just before boarding a flight at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri.

Contacted on Wednesday, acting head of CANU, Orville Nedd, confirmed to this newspaper that his agency is aware of the allegation and an investigation has been launched.

However he declined to give any further information on the matter, stating that the incident had been reported in the press but no one had sought a comment from him on the issue.

“I have no other information to give, all I would say is that we are aware of the allegation and an investigation has been launched,” the CANU head said.